ro, on the McMinnville road, and
camped in a piece of woods near the road. The same night the wagons came
out from Nashville, bringing our tents and baggage. We remained here
through the next day. On Friday, January 9th, we struck tents, and went
one mile nearer town.
We camped about a quarter of a mile off the road, and near a house. The
ground was not very well adapted for such a purpose, being quite low.
During our stay here we experienced much heavy weather; it rained or
snowed a great portion of the time. But we now received a supply of new
clothing, and other necessary articles.
After remaining here for ten days, on the morning of Sunday, January 18th,
we once more made a move.
The morning was quite cold, and considerable snow lay on the ground--a
heavy snow storm having prevailed during the night.
A march of six miles brought us to Cripple creek. We pitched our tents on
a hill overlooking the surrounding country, and near the creek. The place
was very rocky, and covered with young cedars. The trees, rocks and
stumps, were so thick that it was almost impossible for a wagon to get
through. But the men went to work, and soon had the ground sufficiently
cleared to pitch the tents. This camp was on the McMinnville road, and
eight miles from Murfreesboro. We had passed the place several times
previously.
The day succeeding our arrival all hands went to work clearing up the
ground, felling trees, and building breast-works and fortifications. This
occupied several days. The weather was cold, with frequent rains, which
rendered our condition rather unpleasant.
Nothing out of the usual way occurred until January 24th, when the entire
brigade made a reconnoissance towards Woodbury. On reaching Readyville
were joined by General Hazen's brigade, and then proceeded as far as
Woodbury, where a skirmish ensued with a small Rebel force. Our troops
repulsed and drove them from the town. Our brigade returned to camp the
same night.
Sunday, January 22d. This being the anniversary of Washington's birth-day,
at sun-down we fired a salute.
The next day Captain Standart started for home, having obtained a short
furlough.
March 2d. A skirmish reported beyond Readyville.
March 3d. The entire division of General Reynolds passed our camp, going
towards Woodbury.
March 5th. An election took place for five persons whose names should be
placed on the Roll of Honor, according to published order of General
Rosencrans.
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